Degree Requirements: Digital History Ph.D.
Plan your study
Core (6 credits)
The core curriculum provides training in historical research and writing
- HIST 8810: Historiography
- HIST 8010: Historical Thinking and Methods
Foreign Language Requirement
Requirements for language proficiency differ by focus of study. Those students admitted without the necessary language competnecies at the Master’s level will negotiate a customized requirement with their advisor and PhD program coordinator based on their particular research and career interests.
Digital Field (18 credits)
The digital field is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of various digital history methodologies, projects, and scholarship. Students will learn how to use a programming language to assist in historical research and present their interpretations in multiple mediums.
- HIST 8500: Digital Methods I
- HIST 8510: Digital Methods II
- HIST 8520: Digital Historiography
- HIST 8550: Seminar in Digital History
- Elective (6 credits: HIST 8540: Topics in Digital History or other approved digital course)
Primary Field (15 credits)
The primary field is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the historiography and major historical debates in a particular geographic field (United States, Europe, or The World). The graduate student will be prepared to offer instruction and historical consultation in their chosen field.
- Electives (9 credits)
- HIST 8860: Graduate Readings
- Graduate History Seminar (HIST 8000: Seminar in US History; HIST 8300: Seminar in Asian History; HIST 8400: Seminar in Latin American History; HIST 8600: Seminar in British History; HIST 8700: Seminar in European History)
Concentration Field (6 credits)
The concentration field will prepare students to conduct original scholarly research on a particular subject. This concentration could be thematic, geographic, temporal, or methodological.
- Electives (3 credits)
- HIST 8860: Graduate Readings
Career Diversity (6 credits)
The career diversity courses are designed to prepare students who are interested in pursuing work in various capacities in the public or private sector. The practicum will be an individualized experience based upon the interests of the student. When applicable, the practicum will include collaboration with other institutions and businesses.
- HIST 8580: History Graduate Practicum (Internship)
- HIST 8880: Graduate Colloquium
Dissertation (18 credits)
Students work on researching and writing their dissertation under the supervision of a professor. Students are expected to present their work at least once a year in a departmental seminar.
Comprehensive Exams
Students will take one exam in digital history, one in their primary field, and one in their concentration field. In each area, the student will agree on a reading list with a professor, based on the comprehensive knowledge needed to join the ongoing historical scholarly conversation in that area. Once approved, this marks the transition to candidacy where the student proceeds to develop a dissertation prospectus.
